[SatNews] KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) recently implemented a global private multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network connecting all of the teleports and satellite beams in their mini-VSAT Broadband network.

The benefits of MPLS for the thousands of mini-VSAT Broadband users on commercial and recreational vessels worldwide include increased security, enhanced quality of service, and increased network reliability and uptime. The MPLS network is designed to aggregate all customer satellite traffic and provides Internet egress at KVH’s “MegaPOPs” (point-of-presence access points) located in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The MPLS network also enables the KVH mini-VSAT Broadband network to provide state-of-the-art firewalls and redundant high-speed Internet connections at each MegaPOP to ensure security and reliability of all customer traffic. MPLS enables a level of security and quality above that of a virtual private network (VPN), a configuration that corporate customers have utilized for years to protect the security of their data.

In addition, MPLS allows KVH to supply its mini-VSAT Broadband customers with a Global Static IP service, where customers can be assigned a unique public IP address for use globally. This option makes authorized communications to a vessel less complex and more secure.

The mini-VSAT Broadband network provides connectivity to commercial vessels and recreational yachts around the world, and is the market share leader in maritime VSAT, according to independent industry reports. KVH designs and manufactures the TracPhone V-IP series of satellite communications antenna systems for use with the mini-VSAT Broadband network. In addition to providing connectivity to vessels, the mini-VSAT Broadband solution also includes content delivery, via the IP-MobileCast service that KVH developed and introduced in 2014. The IP-MobileCast content delivery service utilizes multicasting technology to affordably broadcast entertainment and operational content to ships at sea.

Executive Comment

“There are tremendous advantages to an MPLS network in terms of quality of service, reliability, and security,” says Rick Driscoll, KVH vice president of satellite products and services. “We are now moving traffic to and from our hubs over state-of-the-art private network connections, as opposed to the public Internet. As a result, we can more effectively control the path that traffic takes through the network. This has enhanced the terrestrial backbone for the entire mini-VSAT Broadband network.”